Penn State Job Catalog

The Government Relations Specialist advocates for the mission and priorities of the University through the development of strategic relationships with government agencies and policymakers; monitors legislative developments in order to determine impact to the University; initiates action committees, briefings, and panels to ensure University relevance and impact in the political sphere; develops internal and external communications.

• Foster partnerships with government officials and policymakers to advocate for the interests of the University; represent the organization with federal, state, and local agencies; establish strategic relationships that strengthen legislative influence
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislation, proposals, policies, emerging issues, and regulations; determine impact to the organization; present findings and recommendations to leadership in response to changes
• Influence government policy and legislative direction to advance University goals related to research, education, and service
• Develop and execute initiatives, action committees, panels, briefings, and outreach events; engage advocacy groups and community based organizations in order to gain stakeholder interest and government support
• Align with organizations that have complementary objectives to enhance business or organizational goals
• Write and review communication materials including reports, fact sheets, briefs, memos, and presentations

Level:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 14
• Minimum – $97,100.00
• MidPoint – $121,400.00
• Maximum – $145,700.00